Gikomba traders split over relocation as demolition standoff escalates

President William Ruto has defended the demolition of parts of Gikomba market, saying it was necessary to allow the long-planned multi-billion-shilling market upgrade to proceed, while warning leaders against turning the issue into a political one. The demolition has split traders into two groups. Some have moved to a temporary holding site to safeguard their businesses, while others refuse to leave the market, claiming cartels are demanding bribes to allocate spaces in the market they are expected to move to.